The Kazanqi Folk Tourism Area in the Old City of Yili is a large-scale, original ecological and cultural scenic area, known as the ‘Museum of Folk Houses’.?
The Kazanqi Folk Tourism Area is located in the southeast of Yining City, Ili Kazak Autonomous Prefecture, Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, covering an area of approximately 22.9 square kilometers, with a core area of 12.8 square kilometers?
. The tourism area underwent protective renovation and tourism development and construction led by the government with participation from residents in 2007. It was officially opened to the public in April of the following year and was rated as a national AAAA-level tourism scenic area?
. It is a large-scale, original ecological and cultural scenic area with Uyghur ethnic customs as its main feature, often described as ‘Kashgar’s Upper Town traditional houses in the south and Yili’s Kazanqi in the north’?
In the Kazanqi Folk Tourism Area, tourists can appreciate the deep integration of culture and life brought about by the multi-ethnic population. It has become a unique area where the excellent traditional cultures of various ethnic groups flourish. There are currently more than 120,000 residents in over 20,000 households within the tourism area. The unique courtyards and century-old houses, from Rococo-style reliefs to the rich geometric patterns on interior wall decorations, resemble an open-air museum of residential architecture?
. In addition, tourists can take photos at special homestays and experience the lives of locals, feeling authentic folklore?
In recent years, the Kazanqi Folk Tourism Area has undergone multiple upgrades and renovations, including protective repairs of historical buildings, the construction of new multi-ethnic courtyard-style architecture, and intangible cultural heritage streets and alleys, in order to enhance tourists’ travel experience?
. These renovation projects have not only protected historical and cultural heritage but also promoted the sustainable development of tourism.?
In summary, the Kazanqi Folk Tourism Area in the Old City of Yili is a comprehensive tourism area integrating culture, history, and folklore. It is an excellent destination for tourists to experience the flavors of Xinjiang and feel the blending of multiple ethnic cultures.?